Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined 10 of his U.S. Senate colleagues to oppose a procedural motion to advance a $40 billion Ukraine package.
In a video address posted to his U.S. Senate YouTube page on Thursday, Tuberville said he was committed to voting against the package when it is expected to hit the floor for a vote later on Friday.
Tuberville joins U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) as the only two members of the Alabama congressional delegation expected to oppose the bill.
According to his video statement, Tuberville said he favored Ukraine aid but opposed this specific legislation because of the lack of oversight and accountability built into the bill.
"I want to be clear -- I'm not voting against the 'why,'" Tuberville said. "I'm voting against the 'how.' Let me explain. I have concerns with the lack of accountability and oversight with this amount of funding. In March, I supported and Congress approved a $13.6 billion emergency funding bill for Ukraine. That included $4.69 billion for traditional foreign aid and $3.5 billion for military supplies, $3 billion for U.S. deployments and intelligence, and $176 million for enforcing sanctions and other aid. But all of a sudden, we're going from these amounts to $40 billion with no oversight into how that money will be spent and utilized.
"It also gives too much money at one time to the State Department for discretionary spending, again, with no oversight of your taxpayer money. Instead, I think we should take a, craft a targeted strategic funding package that is smaller and more measured over a length of time. I am for supporting Ukraine 100%. I want them to win their fight for freedom against this tyrant. At the same time, we need to be responsible with the taxpayers' dollars. That is why I will be voting against final passage of this legislation."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
